From: MBecke3@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 11:03 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Docket # 98P-0151/CP1
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Dockets Management Branch
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
FAX: 301-827-6870
Re: Docket # 98P-0151/CP1
Dear FDA,
Please support the petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.
Downed animals are those animals too sick or injured to stand. Animals
too sick to even stand should not enter the food chain, due to the
increased risk of bacterial contamination, and evidence that some downed
cows may even be afflicted with a form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy,
or "Mad Cow Disease".
There is no humane way to move a downed animal; they are typically
dragged with chains, or lifted with a forklift, causing suffering and
further injuries.
Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of animals slaughtered,
and prohibiting their marketing would cause no undue economic hardship. In
fact, removing the market for downed animals would encourage better
treatment and handling, thus preventing most downers in the first place.
There is growing consensus for such a prohibition, even among livestock
industry and government officials.
Numerous beef, dairy, and pork industry representatives have voiced support
for such a prohibition.
Signed,
Maura Becker
48W138 Welter Rd.
Maple Park, IL 60151